Sleep apnea decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate development of evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service or proximately due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for COPD and sleep apnea, as well as a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinion regarding post-bronchodilator FEV-1/FVC results.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information in a previous VA opinion, and an addendum is needed to address the Veteran's lay statements about sleep apnea during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as lumbosacral strain, is caused by an in-service accident and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is dismissed as he opted-in to the modernized review system.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip strain as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with scoliosis. The TDIU claim prior to January 12, 2015 is also granted due to the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and sleep apnea have been denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for coronary artery disease has been granted with a rating of 60 percent effective since February 26, 2010.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for atrial fibrillation and erectile dysfunction was granted.,The Veteran’s petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, enlarged prostate, and erectile dysfunction was denied due to lack of new and material evidence within a year of the January 2009 rating decision.,Entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is granted as secondary to service-connected peritoneal adhesions.,The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for fibromyalgia was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis and the absence of evidence linking it to service-connected conditions.,Entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) for aid and attendance is granted.,The Veteran’s petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and enlarged prostate was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and OSA, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, finding that the Veteran's symptoms of sleep apnea during and after his military service are related to his period of active duty from October 2003 to March 2005. The Board also found that the OSA was aggravated by this period of service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a nasal disorder and OSA as secondary to a nasal disorder. The VA will obtain additional medical opinions to determine if these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are now considered. The Board has also determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, chronic headache disability, bruxism with myofascial pain dysfunction, and TBI warrant service connection.

The Veteran's claim for loss of a tooth is dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues regarding bipolar disorder, sleep disability, and neurological disability of the left upper extremity due to incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum VA medical opinion to address the etiology of the obstructive sleep apnea and its relationship to service-connected PTSD, gunshot wound residuals, and obesity.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected deviated septum, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety.,Service connection is also granted for a headache disorder, sinus condition, and sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's occupational history and functional impact of his service-connected conditions. Additional evidence is needed, including an addendum medical opinion on the effects of PTSD on employment.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to have had its onset during his active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.,The Veteran's chronic kidney disability is found to be proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding all issues on appeal, including increased ratings and service connection claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea, including whether it is related to service or a service-connected disability.